Look up to God first and then around at who He has invited to be believers of Him because He loves them…as much as He loves you and I. We are different because we are uniquely created by the Master. He knows us by name before we get to know each other. Believers around the world grow up with different customs and traditions but we all seek the One and Only to fill our need for our God who created us.

Could we work a little harder to be as loving and accepting of others as God is to us? Can’t we just get along? Can we think of ways to cultivate greater, healthier relationships because of God’s love in us, instead of looking for ways we are different? If God invited others to the table of grace, then who are we to judge? Sloppy manners at the table? God will deal with us all on that one, too.

Dear Heavenly Father, The world is messed up. The world has always been messed up. But You provided a way for us to be saved from the mess. Thank you, Lord for inviting us to Your table of grace. This passage gives encouragement and hope to all of us. Sometimes we think we are rejected, and we are, by the world’s standards, but we are accepted and made whole by your salvation. Let’s eat! May we be filled to overflow! May we look around a smile at all the people you have invited to dine, and love them with the kind of unconditional love you have given to us. We are humbled by your invitation. In Jesus Name, Amen